Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a proposed rule to clarify the definition of the "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. The National Audubon Society issued the following statement:

"What's at stake here is the future of wetlands conservation in this country," said Audubon Vice President for Government Relations Mike Daulton. "We think it's important that the EPA write a rule that will clearly define its ability to protect our waters -- and all the birds and other wildlife that depend on them -- while also protecting productive economic and agricultural activity. We think that's possible to do, and we look forward to working with the EPA through the rest of the process."